Antiplatelet and antithrombotic effect of D-003

Protective effects of sugarcane phenolic extract against lipid oxidative damages in raw ground pork and beef during refrigerated storage conditions

The study evaluated the bioactive components and antioxidant properties of sugarcane phenolic extracts (SCPE) against lipid oxidation in raw ground pork and beef during refrigerated storage conditions. Results showed that SCPE has a high total phenolic content of 35.9 g GAE/100 g sample majority of which are vanillic (799.77 mg/100 g), sinapic (434.38 mg/100 g), and coumaric (342.37 mg/100 g) acids. These phenolic compounds exhibited strong radical scavenging activities against DPPH (191.00 mg TE/g) and ABTS (359.80 mg TE/g) radical, ferric reducing capacity (97.80 mg TE/g), and lipid peroxidation inhibition (120.20 mg TE/g) activities which are comparable to BHT. Supplementation of SCPE at 400 mg/kg fresh weight of ground pork and ground beef improved the antioxidant activities of meat samples, leading to the delay in TBARS formation, lower reduction in heme iron content, and minimal increase in metmyoglobin content during 14-day refrigerated storage as compared to BHT-treated and control. Moreover, the redness of meat was preserved in SCPE- and BHT-treated samples as measured by a* color value. Correlation heat maps showed that TBARS, metmyoglobin, and ΔE are positively correlated with each other, and at the same time showed negatively correlated with heme iron and a*. This study revealed that antioxidant extracts from sugarcane presented a positive effect on the oxidative stability of raw ground pork and beef during refrigerated storage.

Profiling Metabolites and Biological Activities of Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum Linn.) Juice and its Product Molasses via a Multiplex Metabolomics Approach

Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) is an important perennial grass in the Poaceae family cultivated worldwide due to its economical and medicinal value. In this study, a combined approach using mass spectrometry (MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was employed for the large-scale metabolite profiling of sugarcane juice and its by-product molasses. The polyphenols were analysed via UPLC-UV-ESI-MS, whereas the primary metabolites such as sugars and organic and amino acids were profiled using NMR spectroscopy and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). UPLC/MS was more effective than NMR spectroscopy or GC/MS for determining differences among the metabolite compositions of the products. Under the optimized conditions, UPLC/MS led to the identification of 42 metabolites, including nine flavonoids, nine fatty acids, and two sterols. C/O Flavone glycosides were the main subclass detected, with tricin-7-O-deoxyhexosyl glucuronide being detected in sugarcane and molasses for the first time. Based on GC/MS analysis, disaccharides were the predominant species in the sugarcane juice and molasses, with sucrose accounting for 66% and 59%, respectively, by mass of all identified metabolites. The phenolic profiles of sugarcane and molasses were further investigated in relation to their in vitro antioxidant activities using free radical scavenging assays such as 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical-scavenging ability (DPPH), Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). In view of its higher total phenolic content (TPC) (196 ± 2.1 mg GAE/100 g extract) compared to that of sugarcane juice (93 ± 2.9 mg GAE/100 g extract), molasses exhibited a substantially higher antioxidant effect. Interestingly, both extracts were also found to inhibit α-glucosidase and α-amylase enzymes, suggesting a possible antihyperglycaemic effect. These findings suggest molasses may be a new source of natural antioxidants for functional foods.

D-003 (Saccharum officinarum): The forgotten lipid-lowering agent

Reduction of elevated cholesterol levels, particularly low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), is essential in primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Therefore there is still a large need for new effective drugs, which would be able to essentially reduce LDL-C and in the consequence CV residual risk. D-003 is a mixture of high aliphatic primary acids purified from sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) wax. It showed promising hypocholesterolemic effects in both animal and human studies; it significantly lowers both serum total cholesterol (TC) and LDL-C, and increases high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). In addition, it showed a favorable safety profile. In this review, we evaluated the profile of D-003 as a lipid-lowering agent based on data from available preclinical and clinical studies.

Modulation of platelet functions by crude rice (Oryza sativa) bran policosanol extract

Background

Rice bran is bioactive-rich and has proven health benefits for humans. Moreover, its source, the brown rice has antioxidant, hypolipidemic and other functional properties that are increasingly making it a nutritional staple especially in Asian countries. This study investigated the antiplatelet aggregation mechanisms of crude hexane/methanolic rice bran extract, in which policosanol was the targeted bioactive. Platelets play a vital role in pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases, and their increased activities could potentially cause arterial thrombus formation or severe bleeding disorders. Thus, in this study, platelet aggregation and adhesion of platelets to major components of basal lamina were examined in vitro. In addition, cellular protein secretion was quantified as a measurement of platelet activation.

Methods

Adenosine diphosphate (ADP), collagen, and arachidonic acid (AA)-induced aggregation were studied using the microtiter technique. Rat platelets were pre-treated with various concentrations of policosanol extract, and the adhesion of platelets onto collagen- and laminin-coated surface (extracellular matrix) was studied using the acid phosphatase assay. The effect of crude policosanol extract on released proteins from activated platelets was measured using modified Lowry determination method.

Results

Rice bran policosanol extract significantly inhibited in vitro platelet aggregation induced by different agonists in a dose dependent manner. The IC₅₀ of ADP-, collagen-, and AA-induced platelet aggregation were 533.37 ± 112.16, 635.94 ± 78.45 and 693.86 ± 70.57 μg/mL, respectively. The present study showed that crude rice bran policosanol extract significantly inhibited platelet adhesion to collagen in a dose dependent manner. Conversely, at a low concentration of 15.625 μg/mL, the extract significantly inhibited platelet adhesion to laminin stimulated by different platelet agonists. In addition to the alteration of cell adhesive properties, cellular protein secretion of the treated platelets towards different stimulants were decreased upon crude extract treatment.

Conclusion

Our results showed that crude rice bran policosanol extract could inhibit in vitro platelet adhesion, aggregation and secretion upon activation using agonists. These findings serve as a scientific platform to further explore alternative therapies in cardiovascular diseases related to platelet malfunction.

Phytochemical profile of sugarcane and its potential health aspects

Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum Linn.) is an important perennial grass of Poaceae family, indigenous to tropical South Asia and Southeast Asia. It is cultivated worldwide due to the economical and medicinal value of its high yielding products. Sugarcane juice is well known as a raw material for the production of refined sugar and its wax is considered as a potential substitute for the expensive carnauba wax, which is of cosmetic and pharmaceutical interest. Refined sugar is the primary product of sugarcane juice, but during its processing, various other valuable products are also obtained in an unrefined form, such as, brown sugar, molasses, and jaggery. Sugarcane juice is widely used in India in the treatment of jaundice, hemorrhage, dysuria, anuria, and other urinary diseases. Herein, we have summarized the different phytoconstituents and health benefits of sugarcane and its valuable products. The phytochemistry of sugarcane wax (obtained from the leaves and stalks of sugarcane), leaves, juice, and its products has revealed the presence of various fatty acid, alcohol, phytosterols, higher terpenoids, flavonoids, -O- and -C-glycosides, and phenolic acids. The future prospective of some of the sugarcane products has been discussed, which needs a phytopharmacological study and has a great potential to be a valuable medicinal product.

Effects of D-003 on the Lipid Profile of Patients with Type II Hypercholesterolaemia : A Phase II Clinical Study

BACKGROUND

D-003 is a cholesterol-lowering agent that is isolated and purified from sugarcane wax and has concomitant antiplatelet effects.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate lipid profile responses to different doses of D-003 in patients with type II hypercholesterolaemia.

STUDY DESIGN

An 8-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group clinical study.

METHODS

After concluding a 5-week diet-only baseline period, 55 patients were randomly allocated to receive either placebo or D-003 at 5, 10, 20 or 40mg once daily with their evening meal for 8 weeks. An interim check-up was performed at week 4. The primary efficacy variable was the reduction of serum low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) from baseline compared with placebo. Drug safety and tolerability were assessed on the basis of changes in physical, haematological and blood biochemical indicators and on questioning about adverse experiences (AEs).

RESULTS

After 8 weeks of therapy, D-003 significantly lowered (p < 0.0001 vs baseline and placebo) serum LDL-C in a dose-related manner, with reductions of 20.5-26.1% from the lowest to the highest dose investigated. At study completion, 43 of 44 (97.7%) randomised patients treated with D-003 reached LDL-C reductions >15% compared with baseline, while 30 of 44 patients (68.2%) reached LDL-C targets according to their individual global coronary risk status. Decreases in total cholesterol (TC) and the ratios of TC/high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) and LDL-C/HDL-C were also significant (p < 0.0001) and dose related. Changes in LDL-C, TC and both ratios were significant from the interim check-up. D-003 significantly increased HDL-C values (11.7-16.7%), but the increase was not dose related. No significant changes in lipid profile variables were observed with placebo. D-003 was well tolerated. The treatment did not affect any physical, haematological or blood safety indicators. All included patients completed the study. Four patients reported mild AEs during the study: headache (one patient treated with placebo and one treated with D-003 20 mg/day), insomnia (one patient treated with D-003 5 mg/day) and polyuria (one patient treated with D-003 40 mg/day).

CONCLUSIONS

D-003 was effective in dose dependently reducing LDL-C in patients with type II hypercholesterolaemia, as documented by average percentage reductions and the percentage of patients achieving decreases >15% from baseline and LDL-C goals. The treatment was well tolerated by patients and did not affect any safety indicator. Further studies corroborating these results and exploring the effect of lower doses of D-003 and a longer treatment duration must be carried out, however, before definitive conclusions can be reached. These results encourage continuing clinical investigation on this drug.

Perinatal/postnatal study of D-003, a mixture of long-chain fatty acids, in rats

D-003 is a mixture of long-chain fatty acids isolated and purified from sugar cane wax with cholesterol-lowering and antiplatelet effects. In order to further characterize the developmental toxicity during the treatment period from late gestation up to weaning of the offspring, pregnant females received 0 (control), 500, and 1,000 mg/kg/day D-003 daily by oral gavage beginning at day 15 of pregnancy and through gestation until day 21 postpartum. Maternal clinical signs, body weight, and food intake were measured at regular intervals during gestation and lactation. Live pups were weighed, sexed, and examined for developmental signs. One female and male of each litter were randomly selected to evaluate the reproductive potential. There were no spontaneous or dose-related maternal deaths during the course of this study. The general health and behavioral condition of offspring was good in all groups. No significant differences among groups were found in comparisons of litter size, survival through the weaning period, sex ratio, and male and female weights. This peri- and postnatal study conducted with D-003 in rats indicated that treatment of the dam during late gestation and lactation did not show adversely effects on reproductive performance or fetal development over two generations.

Effect of D-003, a mixture of very-long-chain aliphatic acids purified from sugarcane wax, on cerebral ischemia in Mongolian gerbils

D-003 is a mixture of very-high-molecular-weight aliphatic acids purified from sugar cane wax (Saccharum officinarum), which inhibits platelet aggregation and lipid peroxidation. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of D-003 on cerebral ischemia induced by ischemia-reperfusion (I-R) in Mongolian gerbils. Two experimental series were conducted. The first series investigated the effects of D-003 on cerebral edema, neurological symptoms, and mortality in Mongolian gerbils with cerebral ischemia induced by I-R, while the second series investigated the effects on histological markers of cerebral injury, such as edema intensity (vacuolization) and cerebral necrosis. Animals were randomly distributed in five experimental groups: a sham-operated group experiencing surgical handling except the clamping and orally treated with Tween/water vehicle and four groups subjected to the I-R surgical procedure. One of these groups was treated with the same vehicle, and the other three groups received D-003 at 25, 100, and 200 mg/kg, respectively. All treatments were administered for 14 days. D-003 (200 mg/kg) significantly reduced the cerebral edema and clinical symptoms provoked by I-R compared with the positive control group, whereas lower doses (25 and 100 mg/kg) were not effective. Positive control animals showed an injury profile characterized by swelling (tissue vacuolization) and necrosis of neurons in all areas of the brain studied (frontal cortex, hippocampus, and striatum). The results of the histological study were consistent with those observed by determining cerebral edema and symptoms observation. Thus, D-003 at 200 mg/kg significantly reduced histological markers of brain injury (swelling and necrosis) compared with the control group. It is concluded that D-003 administered orally at 200 mg/kg for 14 days protected against cerebral damage caused by bilateral cerebral ischemia in Mongolian gerbils.

Identification of very long chain fatty acids from sugar cane wax by atmospheric pressure chemical ionization liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy

A method is described for the enrichment of very long chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) from total fatty acids of sugar cane wax and their identification as picolinyl esters by means of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry with atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (LC-MS/APCI). The method is based on the use of preparative reversed phase HPLC of 100 mg amounts and their subsequent identification by microbore APCI LC-MS. The combination of these two techniques was used to identify unusual saturated VLCFAs up to C(50).

Lack of protective effect of D-003, a mixture of high-molecular-weight primary acids from sugar cane wax, on liver damage induced by galactosamine in rats

D-003 is a mixture of very-high-molecular-weight aliphatic primary acids purified from sugar cane wax, wherein octacosanoic acid is the most abundant. Experimental and clinical studies have shown that D-003 lowers cholesterol and prevents plasma lipoprotein peroxidation (LP). D-003 has protected against the histological changes characteristic of CCl4- and paracetamol-induced hepatic injury in rats, in which LP plays a pivotal role for explaining the resulting hepatotoxicity. Galactosamine induces hepatotoxicity associated with depressed RNA and protein synthesis, not with LP. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether D-003 could prevent hepatoxicity induced by mechanisms others than increased LP. We investigated the effects on galactosamine hepatotoxicity in rats distributed into five groups: a negative control group, a positive control group, and three groups treated with galactosamine and D-003 (5, 25, and 100 mg/kg). To induce liver damage, galactosamine (800 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally 30 minutes after dosing with vehicle or D-003. Twenty-four hours later, rats were sacrificed, and livers were immediately removed for histopathological studies. Livers from positive controls showed the characteristic pattern of galactosamine-induced damage. Galactosamine significantly reduced the percentage of normal hepatocytes, increasing both necrotic or lipid-rich hepatocytes compared with negative controls. D-003, however, did not increase the percentage of normal hepatocytes compared with positive controls, indicating that treatment was not effective for preventing the hepatic injury induced with galactosamine. Likewise, D-003 failed to change the content of necrotic and lipid-rich hepatocytes relative to positive controls. It is concluded that D-003 did not protect against the histological changes of galactosamine-induced hepatotoxicity.

Effect of D-003 on intimal thickening and circulating endothelial cells in rabbit cuffed carotid artery

D-003 is a mixture of very-high-molecular-weight aliphatic primary acids purified from sugar-cane (Saccharum officinarum L.) wax, in which octacosanoic acid is the most abundant component. Previous experimental studies have shown that D-003 not only shows cholesterol-lowering and anti-platelet effects, but also reduces thromboxane B2 and increases prostacyclin levels. It acts by inhibiting cholesterol biosynthesis. The positioning of a non-occlusive silicone collar around the rabbit carotid artery results in the formation of a neointima. Collars were placed around the left carotid for 15 days. The contralateral artery was sham-operated. We included three experimental groups: A control group received vehicle, and two others received D-003 at 5 and 25 mg/kg until sacrificed. Samples of arteries were examined by light microscopy. To evaluate intimal thickening the cross-sectional areas of intima and media were measured. Neointima was significantly reduced in D-003-treated animals compared with controls. Furthermore, the circulating endothelial cell has been studied in this experimental model with endothelium damage. The results demonstrate the protective effect of D-003 on vascular endothelium of the studied rabbits. It is concluded that the protective effect of D-003 against neointima formation and circulating endothelial cells in this experimental model could represent potential beneficial pleiotropic effects in the anti-atherogenic profile of this substance, beyond its cholesterol-lowering and anti-platelet effects independently demonstrated.

Effects of sugar cane extract on the modulation of immunity in pigs

The experiment was aimed to test the efficacy of sugar cane extract (SCE) on the modulation of pig immunity under field conditions. The SCE preparation consisted of sugar cane extract (20%) and oilcake of rice bran (80%). SCE (500 mg/kg of body weight per day) was fed to weanling pigs on 3 consecutive days per week for 4 weeks. The results showed a significant enhancement of cytotoxicity of natural killer (NK) cells and phagocytosis by neutrophils and monocytes, compared to untreated pigs. The enhancement of NK cell function may have protected against porcine reproductive respiratory syndrome (PRRS), as there was a reduction in seroconversion rates in treated pigs. Moreover, SCE-treated pigs showed a 7.87% growth enhancement compared with untreated controls. Thus SCE produces an immunostimulative effect on porcine innate immunity that may provide protection against pathogens.

Effect of D-003 on Intravascular Platelet Aggregation Induced with Collagen in Rats

D-003 is a mixture of higher aliphatic primary acids purified from sugar-cane (Saccharum officinarum L.) wax that inhibits platelet aggregation induced ex vivo by addition of agonists to platelet-rich plasma (PRP) of rats, guinea pigs, and healthy human volunteers. Because the ex vivo platelet aggregation model does not mimic properly platelet aggregation occurring inside the arteries, since all blood factors regulating the formation of a platelet aggregate or thrombus are not present in PRP, this work was undertaken in order to investigate the effects of different oral doses of D-003 on platelet aggregation induced by collagen in vivo in rats. Effects of single (5, 25, 100, and 200 mg/kg) or repeated doses (1, 5, 25, 100, and 200 mg/kg during 10 days) of D-003 on in vivo platelet aggregation in rats were studied. D-003 (5-200 mg/kg) orally administered as single or repeated doses inhibited significantly and dose-dependently collagen-induced platelet aggregation in rats. The minimal dose investigated effective in both single and repeated administration schemes was 5 mg/kg. The highest dose assessed in both cases was 200 mg/kg, causing inhibitions of 61.5% (single doses) and 74.4% (repeated doses). Thus, the effects of repeated doses were more pronounced than those obtained with single administration. The mean 50% effective dose of D-003 in both schemes was 2.3 mg/kg, which indicates a promising anti-thrombotic potential of D-003.

Effects of D-003 on hepatic drug-metabolizing enzyme activities in rats

D-003 is a mixture of very-long-chain aliphatic acids with cholesterol-lowering and concomitant anti-platelet effects. The microsomal cytochrome P-450 system comprises a superfamily of proteins present in hepatic and extrahepatic tissues that is responsible for the metabolism of many drugs. The present study was undertaken to investigate the effects of D-003 on in vivo drug-metabolizing hepatic enzymes. Two experimental series (n = 6 animals/group) were performed. In the first series rats were randomly distributed in one control and two groups treated with D-003 at 1,000 and 2,000 mg/kg for 14 days. In the second one they were distributed in one control and three groups treated with D-003 (250, 500, and 1,000 mg/kg) for 6 months. All treatments were orally administered by gastric gavage. Control rats were orally treated only with acacia gum/water vehicle. The content of microsomal P-450, b (5) cytochromes, total sulfhydryl groups, nonprotein sulfhydryl groups, and protein-bound sulfhydryl groups as well as the activities of NADPH cytochrome c reductase, aminopyrine demethylase, dimethylnitrosamine N-demethylase, 7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylation, 7-pentoxyresorufin O-depentylation, and cytosolic glutathione S-transferase were assessed. D-003 administered up to 2,000 mg/kg or 1,000 mg/kg during 14 days or 6 months did not affect the activities of the hepatic drug-metabolizing enzymes investigated. It is concluded that D-003 is not metabolized by the liver cytochrome system and that potential risk derived from drug-to-drug interactions between D-003 and concomitant drugs appears to be low.

D-003 and warfarin interaction on the bleeding time and venous thrombosis experimentally induced in rats

D-003 is a mixture of higher aliphatic primary acids isolated and purified from sugarcane wax, the main component of which is octacosanoic acid. D-003 exhibits a cholesterol-lowering effect as well as antiplatelet and antithrombotic effects in experimental models. Warfarin is a coumarin derivative with anticoagulant activity that acts as a vitamin K antagonist. Since in clinical practice warfarin and D-003 could be administered together, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the simultaneous administration of both drugs on the bleeding time and the venous thrombosis experimentally induced in rats. The combined therapy of minimally effective doses of D-003 and warfarin produced an antithrombotic effect significantly higher than those produced by each monotherapy. Likewise, the prolongation of bleeding time induced by warfarin was increased by the simultaneous administration with D-003, showing a synergistic effect between both drugs.

Validation of a gas chromatographic method for determining fatty acids that compose D003 in 10 mg film-coated tablets

D003 is a new product composed of a mixture of aliphatic fatty acids (C(24:0) to C(36:0)), which shows antiplatelet, antithrombotic, antioxidant, and cholesterol-lowering effects in experimental models and human beings. A gas chromatographic method using a DB-5 wide-bore column and 1-nonadecanoic acid as internal standard was developed and validated in order to determine D003 in 10 mg film-coated tablets. The acids were analysed as methyl esters derivatives, prepared using 5% aqueous HCl-methanol. Developed method was specific for the active principle, even when samples were subjected to stress conditions. Good linearity (correlation coefficient > 0.99) and accuracy (total average recovery = 100.29%) were proven over a range 50-150% of the nominal concentration. Within-day and intermediate precisions at the nominal dose (100%) were < 1.5%. Robustness was examined through an intralaboratory study, quantification and resolution were only affected by the injection volume increase and no other of the 7 operational changes evaluated affected the results. The method was suitable for quality control and stability studies of these tablets.

Protective effect of D-003 on experimental spinal cord ischemia in rabbits

D-003 is a natural mixture of long chain aliphatic acids isolated and purified from sugar cane wax. It possesses antiplatelet and antithrombotic effects as well as decreases plasma and serum levels of thromboxane B(2) (TxB(2)), meanwhile significantly and markedly raises prostacyclin (PgI(2)) levels in rats. This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of D-003 on spinal cord injury in rabbits. New Zealand rabbits were treated during 10 days with D-003 (25 and 200 mg kg(-1)) and ASA (2 mg kg(-1)) before spinal cord ischemia. Animals were subjected to 20 min of aortic occlusion and 24h of reperfusion. Clinical symptoms and histopathological changes of spinal cord were observed. The PgI(2) levels in thoracic aorta were quantified by bioassay. D-003 (25 and 200 mg kg(-1)) significantly increased the mean scores reached 4h after reperfusion, although no dose relation was observed. Twenty-four hours after reperfusion, no deaths occurred in both sham and D-003 treated groups, meanwhile in positive controls and ASA the mortality rate was 38.5% and 7.69% respectively. In addition, 100% of sham, 69% and 77% of rabbits treated with D-003 at 25 and 200 mg kg(-1), respectively, did not show histopathological changes. By the contrary, 100% of positive control animals showed severe damage and ASA-treated rabbits showed only a partial protection. Animals treated with both doses of D-003 showed PgI(2) levels significantly larger than those of positive and negative controls, an effect dose-related, while ASA 2 mg kg(-1) did not change PgI(2) values. The increase of PgI(2) levels achieved in the D-003 treated animals could be an important mechanism in the protection against the spinal cord ischemia.

Effect of D-003 on isoproterenol-induced myocardial necrosis in rats

D-003 is a mixture of high-molecular-weight aliphatic primary acids purified from sugar cane wax with antiplatelet and cholesterol-lowering effects. Cardiac lesions induced by isoproterenol (ISO) are characterized by myocardial necrosis and exudative infiltration. The objective of this study was to determine whether D-003 shows protective effects against ISO-induced myocardial necrosis in rats. Effects of orally administered single doses of D-003 (25-400 mg/kg) and acetylsalicylic acid (ASA, 30 mg/kg), as well as repeated doses of D-003 (5-200 mg/kg), on characteristic markers of ISO-induced myocardial necrosis in rats were investigated. D-003 administered as single doses dose-dependently decreased necrosis area, percent of infarct area, and the presence of polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) in myocardial tissue, but only the reductions induced by 200 and 400 mg/kg were significant. Oral acute treatment with ASA also decreased necrosis area and percent of infarct area, but the occurrence of PMNs was unchanged. D-003 administered repeatedly for 10 days also decreased all myocardial necrosis indicators in a dose-dependent manner, with results effective from 25 mg/kg to the highest dose tested, indicating that the repeated dose scheme was more effective to prevent the damage. It is concluded that D-003 shows a protective effect on the myocardial necrosis induced by ISO in rats.

Six-month toxicity study of oral administration of D-003 in Sprague Dawley rats

BACKGROUND

D-003 is a mixture of high molecular weight aliphatic primary acids purified from sugarcane wax (Saccharum officinarum) having cholesterol-lowering and antiplatelet effects.

AIM

This study was undertaken to investigate the toxicity induced by long-term oral administration of D-003 for 6 months to Sprague Dawley rats of both sexes.

METHODS

Rats were randomly divided into four groups (20 rats of each sex/group): a control group. which received the vehicle, and three treatment groups, which received oral D-003 at doses of 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg/day, respectively. Daily clinical observations and control of bodyweight and food consumption were conducted throughout the study period. On completion of active treatment, animals were sacrificed. Pharmacological effects associated with D-003 such as inhibition of platelet aggregation and increase in bleeding time were assessed in two satellite groups (14 animals of each sex/group): a control group and a group treated with the highest dose of D-003. Assessments of platelet aggregation to collagen were performed at baseline and at 6 months, and assessments of bleeding time were done at baseline, after 3 and 6 months of treatment, and after 30 days' washout.

RESULTS

As expected, D-003 significantly inhibited platelet aggregation. Bleeding time was increased after 3 months of treatment with D-003; this increase was maintained at 6 months, and was reversible after washout. Coagulation factors such as prothrombin time and kaolin-activated thromboplastin-time, which were determined in eight male animals from each group, were unaffected by D-003. Data analyses of bodyweight gain, food consumption, clinical observations, blood biochemistry, haematology, organ weight ratios and histopathological findings did not show trends related to D-003 dose or significant differences between control and treated groups.

CONCLUSION

It was concluded that the highest studied dose of D-003 (1,000 mg/kg/day) represented a non-toxic dose level in the present chronic toxicity study in rats.

Gas chromatographic method for determining very long chain fatty acids that compose D003 in aqueous suspensions from 20 to 200 mg/ml, used in pharmacological and toxicological studies

D003 is a natural mixture of fatty acids (C(24:0) to C(36:0)), which shows antiplatelet, antithrombotic, and cholesterol-lowering effects in experimental models. A specific gas chromatographic method, using a BPX-5 wide-bore column and 1-nonadecanoic acid as internal standard, was developed and validated to determine the content of D003 in 20-200 mg/ml aqueous suspensions, which are used in pharmacological and toxicological studies. Fatty acids were extracted with chloroform and converted to methyl esters derivatives using 5% aqueous HCl-methanol. The method was linear for suspensions ranging from 10 to 250 mg/ml (correlation coefficient=0.9998) and showed a good accuracy, with average recoveries (98.5-101.28%) no significantly different from 100%, according to the Student t-test (P=0.05). The RSDs were <2.2%, indicating that the method has a good repeatability. The intermediate precision was good too, with RSDs between 1.20 and 2.10%. This method is suitable for quality control of these suspensions.

Assessment of the effects of D-003, a new antiplatelet and lipid-lowering compound, in healthy volunteers. A phase I clinical study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of D-003 on the bleeding time (BT) and lipid profile of healthy human volunteers.

METHODS

This single-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study was conducted in healthy volunteers. Step 1 investigated the effects of single doses of D-003 5, 25 or 50 mg on BT in comparison with placebo. Step 2 investigated the effects of 30 days of D-003 5, 25 or 50 mg/day compared with placebo on lipid profile with an interim assessment at 14 days. BT, lipid profile, physical and haematological safety indicators were measured and adverse events (AEs) recorded. Both steps were followed by a 14- or 30-day washout period.

RESULTS

Step 1: D-003 25 and 50 mg significantly increased mean BT 2 hours after administration compared with baseline, but a significant difference versus placebo occurred only with the 50 mg dose. Individual values from participants taking this dose, however, remained within normal limits. This effect was reversible. BT values obtained 2 hours after drug administration showed a moderate dose-dependent relationship. No drug-related changes in safety indicators were found with D-003. Step 2: After 7 days on D-003 50 mg/day, BT was significantly increased compared with baseline and placebo up to the end of the active treatment period. However, all individual values for participants taking this dosage remained within the normal range. This effect was reversible by the end of the washout period. After 30 days, D-003 (5, 25 and 50 mg/day) significantly reduced serum TC (by 13.3 to 17.4%) and LDL-C (by 11.6 to 22.6%) levels, and raised HDL-C levels (by 14.6 to 29.7%), but did not affect triglyceride levels. The significant increase in HDL-C was observed after 14 days on treatment. The effects on the lipid profile were reversible by the end of the 30-day washout period, although after 14 days of washout the effects on HDL-C and LDL-C still remained significant, revealing a certain persistence of effect. Eight participants (four receiving placebo and four receiving D-003 5, 25 or 50 mg/day) reported a total of nine AEs, none of which were drug-related. Of these patients, only two treated with D-003 25 and 50 mg/day discontinued treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

D-003 in single or repeated doses (50 mg) induced significant and reversible increases in BT. In addition, repeated doses (5, 25 and 50 mg/day) significantly and reversibly lowered serum LDL-C and TC levels and significantly raised serum HDL-C levels. These effects were reversible by 30 days after the end of treatment.

Synergistic effect of D-003 and aspirin on experimental thrombosis models

D-003 is a mixture of higher primary aliphatic saturated acids purified from sugarcane wax, with antiplatelet and antithrombotic effects experimentally demonstrated. Octacosanoic acid is the main component of D-003, followed by triacontanoic, dotriacontanoic, and tetracontanoic acids, while other acids are minor components. This work investigates the effects of combination therapy D-003+aspirin (ASA) on arachidonic acid (AA)-induced sudden death in mice and bleeding time in rats. In addition, the effects of D-003 on serum levels of two metabolites of AA: thromboxane A(2) and prostacyclin, assessed through the measurement of their stable metabolites: thromboxane B(2) (TxB(2)) and 6 keto PgF1alpha by radioimmunoassay kits, were also investigated. Combination therapy of D-003 (50mg/kg) and ASA (3mg/kg) significantly increased bleeding time in rats in a synergistic manner compared with D-003 or ASA alone. Moreover, the combined treatment of D-003 (200mg/kg) and ASA (5mg/kg) in mice protected against AA-induced sudden death (83% survivors) in a synergistic manner which was compared with each treatment alone (33% survivors). These results indicate that antiplatelet effects of D-003 are not mediated by a cyclooxygenase inhibition. D-003 and ASA monotherapies reduced serum TxB(2) levels, whereas D-003, but not ASA, significantly increased 6 keto PgF1alpha levels.

GC determination of long chain fatty acids that compose D003 in 5-mg film-coated tablets

D003 is a new product which consists of a mixture of aliphatic fatty acids (C(24:0)-C(36:0)), that shows antiplatelet, antithrombotic and cholesterol-lowering effects in experimental models. A gas chromatographic (GC) method using a DB-5 wide-bore column and 1-nonadecanoic acid as internal standard was developed and validated in order to determine D003 in 5 mg film-coated tablets. The acids were analyzed as methyl esters derivatives, prepared using 5% aqueous HCl-methanol. Developed method was specific for the active principle, even when samples were subjected to stress conditions. Good linearity (correlation coefficient >0.99) and accuracy (total average recovery=99.60%) were proven over a range 38-150% of the nominal concentration. Within-day and intermediate precisions at the nominal dose (100%) were <1.5%. The method was suitable for quality control and stability studies of these tablets.

In Vivo Genotoxic Evaluation of D-003, a Mixture of Very Long Chain Aliphatic Acids

D-003 is a mixture of very long chain aliphatic acids purified from sugar cane wax with cholesterol-lowering effects. The present study was undertaken to investigate the in vivo cytotoxic and genotoxic potential of D-003 using three established assays: bone marrow micronucleus, sperm morphology, and single cell gel electrophoresis (Comet) assay. In a first experimental series, CEN/NMRI mice (6-8 animals per sex per group) were administered D-003 by gastric gavage at 5, 50, or 500 mg/kg for 90 days, then sacrificed 24 hours after the last administration. The effects on bone marrow micronucleus were evaluated only in female mice. D-003 (5-500 mg/kg) did not increase the frequency of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes, nor the ratio of polychromatic to normochromatic erythrocytes, compared with the controls. The assessment of the effects on sperm morphology showed that D-003 did not change the sperm count or the frequency of all types of abnormal head shapes, compared with the controls. In a second series, the micronucleus assay was performed in mice of both sexes given 2,000 mg/kg for 6 days. Likewise, in this series, neither cytotoxic nor genotoxic effects were found. Finally, five male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with D-003 (1,250 mg/kg) by oral gavage for 90 days, and Comet assay on liver cells was performed. No single-strand breaks or alkali-labile site induction on DNA was observed. These results indicate that D-003 does not show evidence of cytotoxic or genotoxic activity on either somatic or germ cells in rodents.

Lack of developmental toxicity of D-003: a mixture of long-chain fatty acids in rats

D-003 is a mixture of long-chain fatty acids isolated and purified from sugar cane wax, the major component of which is 1-octacosanoic acid and which possesses effective antiplatelet, antithrombotic and cholesterol-lowering effects. D-003 was suspended in 1% acacia gum solution, and given daily by gavage to rats at dose levels of 5, 100 and 1000 mg/kg/day on days 6 through 15 of gestation. Cyclophosphamide, serving as a positive control, was given at the dose of 50 mg/kg/day on day 15 of gestation. Evidence of maternal or developmental toxicity was not observed in the groups treated with D-003. Maternal clinical signs of toxicity were not observed and the analysis of initial body weight and the body weight gain during the treatment period was comparable among the groups treated with D-003 and control. As expected, cyclophosphamide caused both embryotoxic and teratogenic effects in rats. Meanwhile, no adverse effects on reproductive performance, or on embryonic or fetal development, including visceral and skeletal examination, were seen in any of the groups administered D-003. It is concluded that D-003 administered up to 1000 mg/kg/day did not induce any evidence of developmental toxicity.

D-003, a potential antithrombotic compound isolated from sugar cane wax with effects on arachidonic acid metabolites

D-003 is a natural mixture of higher primary saturated aliphatic acids purified from sugar cane wax, whose main component is octacosanoic acid followed by triacontanoic, dotriacontanoic, and tetratriacontanoic acids. D-003 inhibits platelet aggregation and arterial thrombosis experimentally induced in a dose-dependent fashion. This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of D-003 (25 and 200 mg/kg) in experimental models of venous thrombosis and on plasma levels of two metabolites from arachidonic acid (AA) : thromboxane A(2) (TxA(2)) and prostacyclin (PgI(2)). D-003 orally administered as single doses of 200 mg/kg, but not at 25 mg/kg, significantly increased plasma levels of 6 keto PgF1alpha levels, a stable metabolite of PgI(2) in PPP obtained from collagen-stimulated blood (4 microg/ml) compared with control group. Nevertheless, levels of 6 keto PgF1alpha levels determined after 10 days of oral treatment with both doses of D-003 were significantly larger than those of the controls. Likewise, single and repeated oral doses of D-003 (25 and 200 g/kg) significantly reduced the TxB(2) and MDA plasma levels obtained from whole blood stimulated by collagen. Hence, TxB(2)/6 keto PgF1alpha ratio significantly decreased in animals treated with D-003. Single and repeated oral doses of D-003 (25 and 200 mg/kg) significantly reduced the weight of venous thrombus experimentally induced in rats. D-003 at single doses (400 mg/kg but not 200 mg/kg) significantly protected from death induced by endovenous infusion of collagen plus epinephrine in mice. The present results support that these effects of D-003 on AA metabolites could explain, at least partially, its antiplatelet and antithrombotic effects.

Preliminary evaluation of the cytotoxic and genotoxic potential of D-003: Mixture of very long chain fatty acids

D-003 is a mixture of very long chain aliphatic acids purified from sugar cane wax, wherein octacosanoic acid represents the major component. Previous experimental studies have shown that D-003 inhibits platelet aggregation in rodents. Also, its lowers total (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in normocholesterolemic rabbits in a dose-dependent manner and inhibits cholesterol biosynthesis in fibroblast cultures. The present study was performed to investigate the in vitro cytotoxic and genotoxic potential effects of D-003 assessed through two tests: the neutral red (NR) assay and the Ames test. Positive and negative controls were included in each experimental series. Compared with controls, no cytotoxicity was evident after 24 and 72 h of treatment with doses up to 1,000 microg/ml in the NR assay. On the other hand, D-003 (5-5,000 microg/plate) did not increase the frequency of reverse mutations in the Ames test in both alternatives with or without S9 mix metabolic activation and a pre-incubation step. The positive control chemicals included in each experiment, namely, treatment with sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) in the NR assay and sodium azide (NaAz), 2-aminofluorene (AF), and dimethylnitrosamine (DMNA) in the Ames test, induced the expected changes, such as a decrease in optical density (OD) values in the NR assay and an increase in the frequency of reverse mutations in the Ames test. The present results indicate that D-003 did not show evidence of cytotoxic or genotoxic potential in tests able to detect the ability of chemicals to disrupt cells (NR assay) or to induce gene mutations (Ames test).

Inhibition of rat lipoprotein lipid peroxidation by the oral administration of D003, a mixture of very long-chain saturated fatty acids

Previous results have demonstrated that policosanol, a mixture of aliphatic primary alcohols isolated and purified from sugar cane wax, whose main component is octacosanol, inhibited lipid peroxidation in experimental models and human beings. D003 is a defined mixture of very long-chain saturated fatty acids, also isolated and purified from sugar cane wax, whose main component is octacosanoic acid followed by traicontanoic, dotriacontanoic, and tetracontanoic acids. Since very long-chain fatty acids are structurally related to their corresponding alcohols, we investigated the effect of oral treatment with D003 (0.5, 5, 50, and 100 mg/kg) over 4 weeks in reducing the susceptibility of rat lipoprotein to oxidative modification. The combined rat lipoprotein fraction VLDL + LDL was subjected to several oxidation systems, including those containing metal ions (CuSO4), those having the capacity to generate free radicals 2,2-azobis-2-amidinopropane hydrochloride (AAPH), and a more physiological system (resident macrophages). D003 (5, 50, and 100 mg/kg) significantly inhibited copper-mediated conjugated-diene generation in a concentration-dependent manner. D003 increased lag phase by 53.1, 115.3, and 119.3%, respectively, and decreased the rate of conjugate-diene generation by 16.6, 21.5, and 19.6%, respectively. D003 also inhibited azo-compound initiated and macrophage-mediated lipid peroxidation as judged by the significant decrease in thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) generation. In all the systems the maximum effect was attained at 50 mg/kg. There was also a parallel attenuation in the reduction of lysine amino groups and a significant reduction of carbonyl content after oxidation of lipoprotein samples. Taken together, the present results indicate that oral administration of D003 protects lipoprotein fractions against lipid peroxidation in the lipid as well in the protein moiety.

Acute and oral subchronic toxicity of D-003 in rats

D-003 is a mixture of higher aliphatic primary acids purified from sugar cane wax (Saccharum officinarum) with cholesterol-lowering and antiplatelet effects experimentally proven. The present work reports the results of two studies investigating the acute and subchronic oral toxicity of D-003 in rats. Oral acute toxicity of D-003 (2000 mg/kg) was investigated according to the Acute Toxic Class (ATC) method (an alternative for the classical LD(50) test), which was performed in Wistar rats. The results obtained in this study defined D-003 oral acute toxicity as unclassified. In the subchronic study, rats of both sexes were orally treated with D-003 at 50, 200 and 1250 mg/kg for 90 days. At this time, animals were sacrificed. No evidence of treatment-related toxicity was detected during the study. Thus, data analysis of body weight gain, food consumption, clinical observations, blood biochemical, haematology, organ weight ratios and histopathological findings did not show significant differences between control and treated groups. It is concluded that D-003 orally administered to rats was safe and that no drug-related toxicity was detected even at the highest doses investigated in both acute (2000 mg/kg) and subchronic (1250 mg/kg) studies.